John Ebo in his kitchenIf left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and stroke. Having diabetes can also double a person’s risk of suffering with depression and mental illness. John’s mother and brother both have type 2 diabetes, and complications resulted in his brother having to have a lower limb amputation, another devastating consequence of the disease.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is helping people like John who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes to make lasting lifestyle changes. Those referred onto the programme by their GP, other healthcare professional or through a self-referral get tailored, personalised support and guidance. This includes education on lifestyle choices, advice on how to reduce weight through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes, which together have been proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

John Ebo (end of journey).JPGWhen John was told about the programme and its benefits, he decided to go for it. John said, “My ethnicity, my family history of diabetes and the fact that I’m over 40 and overweight put me at higher risk, so I decided to stop procrastinating. I completed the Diabetes UK online risk assessment which confirmed what I already knew and gave me that extra motivation to do something about it.”

John kept a brilliant seven-part video diary of his journey through the National Diabetes Prevention Programme. From his initial thoughts about embarking on the programme, to his reflections on the last session. John explains what the programme is all about, what he’s learned over the past nine months, and shares some great hints and tips.

Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes but some of us are more at risk than others. This might be because of our ethnicity, waistline or family history. If you’re aged 18 or over and have had a blood test within the last 12 months that shows your blood sugar is in the pre-diabetic range you may be eligible for referral onto the programme.

If this is you, please do talk to your GP and follow John in taking that first step to better health.